at the first sign
idiom
: as soon as something happens that indicates an action or event has begun to take place
The bartender called the police at the first sign of trouble.
At the first sign of spring she planted annuals in her flower beds.
Examples of at the first sign in a Sentence
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Across almost two decades of ownership under Roman Abramovich, the club ruthlessly chewed through many of the world’s most famous and successful coaches, banking a steady flow of trophies and pressing the ‘eject’ button at the first sign of failure.
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The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
In the same way, wise leaders do not abandon their strategy at the first sign of trouble.
—Bryce Hoffman, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Drive down Lake Street, an immigrant hub since the days when newcomers came to Minneapolis from Norway and Sweden, and the sidewalks seem crowded only with activists standing watch, ready to blow warning whistles at the first sign of a convoy.
—Tim Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Probably because ‘masculinity’ is a most fragile currency, ready to nose-dive at the first sign of vulnerability or difference.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at the first sign
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The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
In the same way, wise leaders do not abandon their strategy at the first sign of trouble.
—Bryce Hoffman, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Drive down Lake Street, an immigrant hub since the days when newcomers came to Minneapolis from Norway and Sweden, and the sidewalks seem crowded only with activists standing watch, ready to blow warning whistles at the first sign of a convoy.
—Tim Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Probably because ‘masculinity’ is a most fragile currency, ready to nose-dive at the first sign of vulnerability or difference.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at the first sign
Cite this Entry
“At the first sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20first%20sign. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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